Academic progress appeals

This information is for students whose enrolment has been terminated, suspended, or made subject to certain conditions, due to unsatisfactory academic progress and who wish to lodge an appeal against this decision.

What does termination of enrolment mean?

Termination of enrolment means: forced cessation of study in a particular course for an indefinite period. In other words, a student whose enrolment is terminated is not permitted to continue their course.

Student visa holders (international students) whose enrolment is terminated will be reported to the Australian Government Department of Education unless they lodge a successful appeal to the Academic Board or to the Ombudsman.

Appealing a decision made by the Course Unsatisfactory Progress Committee (CUPC)

Please read and follow the instructions below carefully.

Step 1: Obtain a copy of your CUPC report

You can obtain a copy of the report of your meeting by completing the following form. The CUPC report will provide a summary of the Progress Committee's considerations in making its decision.

Step 2: Identify the grounds for your appeal

Appeals to the Academic Board must be based on one or more of the following grounds:

A procedural irregularity has occurred (which may include that the student has not received a fair hearing in all the circumstances);

There is new information that could not reasonably have been provided at the time of the original decision, and that would probably have affected the decision or any penalty imposed;

The decision was manifestly wrong, or not available in the circumstances; and/or

The penalty imposed was manifestly excessive, harsh or inappropriate.

Step 3: Draft a Letter of Appeal

If you believe that you have grounds for an appeal then write a letter which:

States the grounds for your appeal as outlined above,

Includes as much information and detail as possible, and

Where appropriate, provides relevant evidence supporting the grounds on which you wish to appeal against the decision. Evidence may include documents such as medical certificates, letters of support, travel documents, insurance documents etc. Copies or translations of these documents must be certified.

Step 4: Contact the Student Advocacy Service

The University has a single funded independent advocacy service, the Student Union Advocacy Service (SUAS), which is directly funded from the Student Services and Amenities Fee. The service is provided through the University of Melbourne Student Union (UMSU) and is available to all students: graduate and undergraduate, on or off the Parkville campus.

Step 5: Submit your Letter of Appeal and supporting documents

Your Letter of Appeal must be submitted to the University Secretary's Department within 20 working days of receiving notification of the CUPC decision. Your Letter of Appeal and supporting documents should be emailed to the Appeal Committee Secretary.

Important: If your enrolment has been terminated you should continue to attend classes and submit the requisite assignments until your appeal outcome is decided. However you must obtain permission from your Faculty or School to do this.

Step 6: Attend the appeal hearing

If the Academic Secretary is satisfied that you have demonstrated grounds for appeal then an appeal hearing will be conducted by the Academic Board Appeal Committee. The Secretary of the Appeal Committee will notify you of the time, date and location of your appeal hearing. You are welcome to bring one person to support you at the hearing (however that person must not be a legal practitioner).

The hearing will last approximately 25 minutes and will be attended by three members of the Academic Board and at least one representative of your Faculty or School. At the hearing you will be given the opportunity to present your appeal to the panel. The Secretary of the Appeal Committee will notify you of the appeal outcome within five working days.